Tigers Jack Flaherty Faces Contract Decision After Inconsistent Season

The Detroit Tigers re-signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to a two-year, $35 million deal with a player option for 2026, hoping he would be a key No. 2 starter behind ace Tarik Skubal. Despite a strong first half of 2024 and contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series win after being traded midseason, Flaherty has struggled in 2025 with a 4.74 ERA, a 7-13 record, and leading the American League with 13 losses, raising concerns about his consistency and effectiveness. Although Flaherty has shown impressive strikeout ability, with 169 strikeouts and a high K/9 rate, his WHIP and other pitching metrics indicate vulnerability, which might limit his market value in free agency. MLB insider Jeff Passan predicts that Flaherty will opt out of his Tigers contract to test free agency again, seeking a longer-term deal despite the likelihood that offers may not exceed his current salary. The Tigers face uncertainty in their starting rotation depth beyond Skubal, especially with other veteran signee Alex Cobb sidelined by injuries, putting additional pressure on Flaherty to perform down the stretch as the team pursues a playoff run. Fans and analysts remain hopeful but wary about Flaherty's future impact and contract decisions amid Detroit's strong 2025 season and postseason aspirations.